Local Cardiologist Gives New Advice for Aspirin Users

FILES - Illustration taken on March 14, 2007 in Duesseldorf, western Germany shows an Aspirin headache tablet produced by German pharmaceutical group Bayer being dissolved in a glass of water. Bayer fell into a surprise fourth quarter loss, it said on February 28, 2011, owing to charges including a write-down on its Schering brand and costs of US legal proceedings. AFP PHOTO MARTIN GERTEN GERMANY OUT (Photo credit should read MARTIN GERTEN/AFP/Getty Images)

Photo: MARTIN GERTEN/AFP/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) – A local cardiologist is explaining new FDA advice on taking one baby aspirin a day to ward off heart attacks.

Drug maker Bayer asked the FDA for permission to market aspirin for first time heart attack prevention. Washington University and Barnes Jewish cardiologist Dr. Ed Geltman says the FDA would not allow it.

Geltman says that they emphasize using aspirin after a stroke or heart attack, and those indications are still robust and so should be continued. But to ask the board to recommend aspirin to prevent heart attacks across the board was beyond the data.

“If you’re on aspirin and you’ve had a heart attack or a stroke or a stint, definitely stay on the aspirin and do not stop it without talking to your physician,” says Geltman.

He says the change in advice comes from those who haven’t had a heart attack as of yet. Geltman says to also ask your doctor if you are using it for preventative purposes. His recommendation is to not start taking it on your own, but ask a physician if it is necessary.

There may be a benefit for people at high risk, but for those at low risk, probably not.

Fred Bodimer joined KMOX in 1982 after graduating from the University of Missouri at Columbia, School of Journalism. Bodimer is the Health and Religion editor for KMOX News and executive news producer for The Mark Reardon Show, Total Information PM,...